Merlin the cat with the loudest purr in the world

Most domestic cats purr at around 25 decibels but Merlin has hit a mog-nificent 100 - louder than a hair dryer, a hand drill or a lawnmower. The 12-year-old pet is so noisy owner Tracy Westwood struggles to hold telephone conversations or hear the TV. Credit: David Hedges/SWNS